2 nabbed for selling stolen fire hoses

MANILA, Philippines - Manila policemen arrested yesterday two alleged volunteer firefighters in the act of selling two fire hoses reportedly stolen from a Manila councilor.

Chief Inspector Fernando Opelanio, chief of the District Police Intelligence and Operations Unit (DPIOU) of the Manila Police District, identified the suspects as Jordini Cruz, 35, and Jalus Limjoco, 36. The two claimed they worked as fire volunteers in Manila and Cruz alleged that he owns a fire truck.

The two men were arrested following a complaint by District 2 Councilor Edward Tan, who lost two 50-foot fire hoses from his parked fire truck along Mayhaligue, Tondo last week. Tan provides volunteer firefighters and fire trucks to his constituents.

Opelanio sent his men at the corner of Jose Abad Santos and C.M. Recto Avenue yesterday after receiving reports from Tan that his fire hoses were being sold to a fence in the area.

DPIOU operatives arrested Limjoco while bringing the two sets of fire hoses, while Cruz was arrested for carrying a gun on his waist.